CReader v5 vs Actron CP9580

[BrokewrenchLS1]

Looking at some of the OBD2 scanner threads on here, it seems like the CReader v5 is a solidly-recommended code reader. But, poking through Amazon, I saw the Actron CP9580, and it seems like it does quite a bit...and is also quite a bit more expensive. I've got a "dumb" Actron that's a code-puller and nothing else, and I need something that gives me more options for real-time datalogging, diagnostics, ABS diag and control, and DTC definitions on screen.

Is the CReader still the one to go for, would the Actron work better, or is there something else more effective than both? $160 is about tops that I want to pay since I don't need that much capability often, but when I do need it, I need it.

 

[Dolsontools]

I sell a version of the actron unit. its probably my best selling code reader and I've had zero problems with it. I even bought one to keep in the truck because it will display and clear emission codes on my 2010 isuzu diesel. I've sold a few of the creader and have had no real problems so far, but for myself, I would much rather have the actron

 

[williaty]

I do not think the Actron offers anything compelling for the LARGE increase in price. The ABS stuff works with very few cars. The CodeConnect stuff is just showing you the most common thing that's broken when your car throws that code, which is a really poor substitute for actually diagnosing the problem.

I have a CReader V. For the money, I'm pretty impressed with it.

 

[sf6669]

My vote goes to the launch< I got one and its fast and good for looking at codes and some PIDs. It graphs 1 PID at a time , good for 02s diag. I've used the actron and the one thing it does better is moniters.

 

[dankicksass]

That Actron is junk, and the OTC, Matco and any other labels it comes with are too. The C-Reader V keeps my buddies happy and their wallets full. If you really want decent ABS coverage and code-related suggestions, get the Blue Point Microscan Pro. It's twice as much as that Actron but it's a much better tool and they're completely up-front about the ABS coverage. (PDF)

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

Is the Blue Point CAN-capable? I don't own any CAN cars myself, but occasionally work on friends' cars who are likely to own things much newer than what I drive.

ABS coverage is primarily for my fast car, and being able to do proper brake fluid flushes, so it's not really an absolute requirement, just something I'd like to have.

 

[TheGrooveking]

I have the Matco version of the Actron 9580CP which I bought because my Harbor Freight OBD II scanner actually missed a few things. The 9580 is a great unit IMO and if you research it you can pick it up for $170. Check Youtube there are video reviews from a few users that'll show you some of its capability.

TheGrooveking

 

[dankicksass]

Is the Blue Point CAN-capable? I don't own any CAN cars myself, but occasionally work on friends' cars who are likely to own things much newer than what I drive.

ABS coverage is primarily for my fast car, and being able to do proper brake fluid flushes, so it's not really an absolute requirement, just something I'd like to have.

It's got CAN, no adapters or "keys" needed for any OBD2 operations. It's the fastest scanner to pull codes I've ever used. I wouldn't say bad things about that Actron if I hadn't used it either; I just think it's a poor tool and the marketing is extremely misleading on its ABS capability.

You can buy the Blue Point without ABS coverage too, but it's only $50 less that way and it won't cover OBD-I either. OBD-I adapters are an extra-cost add-on either way.